WorldView People

We have spent the last month studying at the WorldView Center. Instead of boring you with all the nitty gritty details of what we may or may not have learned, let me instead introduce you to some of the people who have crossed our path.

Where else can we start but with Dr. and Mrs. Don Smith? They are a wealth of insights and stories from their 30 years as missionaries in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. While completely at home in the world of anthropology and academia, they are also gracious, humble, joyful and have a deep spiritual current running through their lives. Their heart in training missionaries is to increase effectiveness in Gospel ministry by facilitating intercultural understanding. They have “learned” us a lot. :)

Sixteen missionaries huddled up around the table almost every day. All of their lives are filled with stories worth telling. One couple who will remain nameless is heading off to Africa next month (keeping a low profile is part of mission in this Google age of information). We sat by them in class most days laughing together, sharing life and encouraging one another. Who knows maybe someday our children will visit with them and/or with others who also must remain nameless.

As a missionary doctor in Pakistan for 18 years, Dr. Mary had plenty of stories to tell that intrigued and interested us all. On Friday we watched a Day of Discovery presentation of her life – the Shikarpur Diary. The video tells how she and three other women gave up Western life to care for Muslim women and children in Pakistan. After the video she prayed for our children and reminded them that, “following Jesus is the best thing.”

We crossed paths with others including: Danielle & Debbie who served up some of the best cafeteria food ever*Steve & Joann who keep the WorldView Center going*Liz & Lydia who were particularly kind to our children*Dr. Wan who opened our eyes to some of the shortcomings of our western way of thinking and the reality of spiritual warfare*Ksenya our Russian friend who has are really good heart for serving God.